The 3 Main Pressure Washer Cleaning Agents and When To Use Them…

February 12, 2020

Pressure washers, whether they’re powered by electric motors or gas engines, run a pump that pressurizes the water from your garden hose to 1,000 lbs. or more, then forces it out through a spray wand. The higher the pressure (measured in pounds per square inch—psi), the tougher the cleaning jobs they can tackle. Both types require a steady, uninterrupted supply of water (in gallons per minute—gpm). For occasional use, most homeowners will find that a washer with a pressure range of 1,300 to 2,400 psi works best. But sometimes if you have mold, mildew, or another substance you may need more than pressure. That is when cleaning agents may be needed. When that happens you must decide what cleaning agent is best for your project. You will have a chose of soap, detergent, or chemicals. We will cover the pros and cons of each of these cleaning agents in this article.

Pressure Washer Soap

Of the three options soap is the safest. True soaps are generally produced with natural products (soap and lye) and require very less energy in the manufacturing process. Most soaps are made without having leftover by-products, which tend to go to the landfill. Soap is an effective cleansing agent and eliminates the requirement for harmful antibacterial chemicals and preservatives. Soap is also the least powerful, which is why it is often the choice for only small jobs with your pressure washer. If you are only cleaning dirt and grime, then soap will be fine. The biggest advantage of soap is it relatively less expensive, and less harmful to the area you working and the overall environment.

Pressure Washer Detergent

Of the choices, detergents are the most commonly used. Detergents and soap are similar with the exception that detergents are not made of biodegradable materials. Detergents are made from chemicals and synthetic materials. When you have a a hard to get rid of substance on your equipment or surface, then detergents are usually your best solution. Detergents will get rid of mold and mildew. If you are power washing the outside of your home, detergents are best for gutters and siding, etc. However some type of water recycling will have to be done because the chemicals cannot simply be washed down the drain.

Pressure Washer Chemicals

The effectiveness of a pressure washer is significantly increased by the use of the correct cleaning chemical. These chemicals are so strong they are only used for very specific, difficult jobs. When opting for chemical cleaning products, always make sure they are approved for pressure washing. In this way, you will avoid causing damage to the surface being cleaned and the power washer itself.

Pressure Spray, Inc. can provide you with the pressure washer you need to clean your business efficiently. We can also help you determine the best soaps, detergents, and chemicals for your specific cleaning projects.